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ARMY soldiers arrested three men allegedly found carrying bundles of marijuana leaves during a checkpoint on Wednesday night at the mountain barangay of Pili, Danao City in northern Cebu.
They were identified as Sanito Tano, 28, and Alexander Tano, 41, both residents of barangay Cambanay, Danao City; and Roque Matugas, 38, of barangay Can-an, Tuburan.
Members of the 52nd Army Batallion seized three bundles of marijuana leaves from the suspects, said SPO3 Winrie Pilapil of Danao police.
The soldiers flagged down the motorcyle driven by Sanito. Alexander was his backrider.
During the search, two bundles of marijuana leaves were found in the backpack of Alexander, said police.
A few minutes later, the soldiers spotted another approaching motorcycle.
Before the motorcycle could reach the checkpoint, the backrider of the motorcycle, who was later identified as Matugas, jumped off.
The soldiers chased and caught up with Matugas.
A bundle of marijuana leaves was allegedly found in his backpack, said police.
Police said they believed that Tanos and Matugas were companions.
The driver of the motorcycle boarded by Matugas was cleared because he was a habal-habal driver hired by Matugas.
Sanito, Alexander and Matugas were detained at the Danao City Police Station pending filing of the charges.
The motorcycle (7LR-928) driven by Sanito was seized by Danao police. The confiscated marijuana leaves were turned over to the Philippine National Police Crime Laboratory for confirmatory examination.
